I recall only one whalewatching company called Whale Watch Kaikoura. They can be reached at 64-3-319-6767, or if you are in New Zealand, at 0800-655-121. It is usually necessary to book three or four days in advance, but most importantly, it is crucial…Read More

I recall only one whalewatching company called Whale Watch Kaikoura. They can be reached at 64-3-319-6767, or if you are in New Zealand, at 0800-655-121. It is usually necessary to book three or four days in advance, but most importantly, it is crucial that you are a bit flexible in your plans. While the tours start very early in the morning, at 5:30 am and runs through about 3pm in the summer (check this before you go), with almost hourly departure, bad weather can result in tours after tours being canceled. So if this is a must for you, allow for some leeway in your plans.

I of course did not follow my own advice, but I did not know any better when I got to Kaikoura. Fortunately, we got real lucky. When we approached the counter to pick up our 1:30pm tour, my two traveling companions and I were informed that all of the morning trips were canceled, and while the 12:30 pm did take off, it was very choppy. As we were supposed to be in Wellington by that night, we were really trusting it to lady luck. While the tour did go on--we were extremely lucky--I would not recommend this approach for anyone whom whalewatching is a must see. Close

Let me tell you what might have turned out to be a disastrous trip for my companions and me, but particularly for myself. We actually went to New Zealand for work, and were expected back to Wellington for an early Monday interview. Since…Read More

Let me tell you what might have turned out to be a disastrous trip for my companions and me, but particularly for myself. We actually went to New Zealand for work, and were expected back to Wellington for an early Monday interview. Since our whale watching tour was to start later on a Sunday, I had contacted Soundsair on Friday to pick us up in Kaikoura and fly us to Wellington that Sunday. The captain informed me that all the spaces were booked, but that he could order a bigger plane to be brought out from Wellington, and promised to pick us up at Whale Watch Kaikoura.

When I called him before our whalewatch trip, he expressed total surprise that we wanted to be picked up. He told me that his pilot was making the last trip at 1:00pm, and we can be there or be square. When I told him my name and reminded him of our conversation, he burst out laughing. It appeared he had ordered a plane for Saturday, and was expecting us to call him the day before. I am sure he must have sworn at us for not showing, as he did not even ask us to leave a credit card number or anything. But being a New Zealander, he revved up his hospitality and did not let us down. He agreed to come and pick us up after the whale trip, and take us back to Wellington himself. The trip was on a five-seater, and miraculously, he had managed to unearth two more passengers. Thus, we flew slow, and got another look at the Kaikoura Peninsula from above, as well as dotted islands of Marlborough Sounds before landing in Wellington. All that service for less than $40 a person. Close

One way to get to Kaikoura is to take the Transcenic from Christchurch to Picton, which passes through Kaikoura. As a tourist from the States, I thought the Transcenic was a bargain, because the Christchurch-Kaikoura portion cost less than $20, if I remember right.…Read More

One way to get to Kaikoura is to take the Transcenic from Christchurch to Picton, which passes through Kaikoura. As a tourist from the States, I thought the Transcenic was a bargain, because the Christchurch-Kaikoura portion cost less than $20, if I remember right. The Transcenic is priced a lot less than the TransAlpine, which is the most popular train route in New Zealand, though I thought the Transcenic to be almost as beautiful. But instead of mountains, the Transcenic skirts the eastern coast of New Zealand. It takes you through stretches of sandy beaches, then sudden outcroppings of rocks, then a gorgeous coastline lays bare in front of you, then suddenly you would pass through dark tunnels. The trip from Christchurch to Kaikoura takes about 3 hours. Close

Finally on the whale-watch boat and excited to hear they spotted whales. As we quickly sailed over to where the whales were hanging out several passengers were queasy. Take Dramamine beforehand. All medicine and folk remedies are available at the Whale Watch counter. Peter, age…Read More

Finally on the whale-watch boat and excited to hear they spotted whales. As we quickly sailed over to where the whales were hanging out several passengers were queasy. Take Dramamine beforehand. All medicine and folk remedies are available at the Whale Watch counter. Peter, age 24, had surprised us by flying to NZ to join us and he was so excited to see the whales while feeling so sick. But it's important to go out in the fresh air and focus on the horizon.

As he struggled to save his tummy the boat stopped and we were surrounded by dolphins, perhaps over 100. They were ringing the boat and putting on a fantastic show. Full double twists high in the air and Rockette routines of groups of 3 and 4. Very charming and funny. And also diverting. His seasickness vanished and he became engrossed in the antics of the dolphins. They actually do all that showing up to force fish down into the waiting mouths for their compatriots. They take turns eating this way.

Kaikoura on the East Coast of the South Island is rugged, scenic, and teeming with fur seals lolling around on large boulders. They are easy to see by just stopping off road. We love to get up close and personal with wildlife. And the biggest…Read More

Kaikoura on the East Coast of the South Island is rugged, scenic, and teeming with fur seals lolling around on large boulders. They are easy to see by just stopping off road. We love to get up close and personal with wildlife. And the biggest thrill of all were the whales of Kaikoura. And to see whales you have to go where they are, into the sea. Close